The weekend read: A new test for trackers
The benefits of deploying bifacial solar panels on single-axis trackers are touted like snake oil these days, with promises of anywhere from 5 to 50% gains in energy output compared with a monofacial panel. Unfortunately, the field data that might delineate the actual energy gain of a bifacial panel on a tracker are hard to acquire, and the data that are available typically describe small-scale tests under tightly defined conditions.
New Mexico prepares to approve 100 MW-AC of solar for Facebook data centers
The social media giant’s Los Lunas data center plans to buy power at $30/MWh.
US utility-backed fund raises $681 million for advanced energy technologies
Energy Impact Partners, who partners with 14 electric utilities, has raised US$681 million to continue investing in technologies that have a high probability of influencing the future power grid.
Interview: Sonnen MD, Schröder resigns, announces start-up
During the past three years, Philipp Schröder has built up and consolitaded the Sonnen brand. Now the self-proclaimed “Sonnen Warrior” is going his own way, although he will remain an advisor to the German storage provider. Managing Director, Christoph Ostermann regrets the departure, but emphasizes that with the strong management team that has been established, he will continue to promote the company’s growth.
Amara Raja to open 100 MWh Li-ion battery fab in India
Following hot on the heels of Exide Industries, traditional battery maker, Indian-based Amara Raja Batteries Limited has said it will set up a 100 MWh lithium ion assembly plant in Andhra Pradesh. The company aims to establish a foothold in the energy storage market for electric vehicles.
PERC market to reach 158 GW by 2022
Taiwan-based analyst firm, WisolPro says the global capacity for PERC cells is rapidly increasing, with the technology likely to replace polycrystalline cells. HJT, thin film, and n-type PERT technologies are also on the rise.
Italy to hold first 500 MW wind-solar auction in January
The new Italian government has maintained, almost unchanged, the provisions for the creation of an auction scheme for solar, wind and other renewables designed by the previous government. It has, however, postponed the first auction for large-scale projects from November to January. Furthermore, it has introduced new rules to enable the replacement of asbestos covers with rooftop PV systems through an ad-hoc FIT scheme.
Will Taiwan meet its 20 GW solar goal by 2025?
By 2025, Taiwan aims to reach a cumulative installed solar PV capacity of 20 GW. However, by mid-2018, just 11.2% of this goal had been met. TrendForce analyst, Rhea Tsao, examines the situation and discusses what needs to be done to reach the target.
Uncertainty and challenges in Jordan’s Round 3 RE auction
Changes to Jordan’s Round 3 renewable energy auction will mean just 150 MW of capacity will be allocated for PV projects, down from 200 MW. Meanwhile, the government has accepted all 16 of the technical bids submitted in April, meaning it now hangs on price. The final results are expected soon.
Tanzania to host two MW-sized solar mini-grids
Tanzania-based mini-grid operator, Jumeme is tendering two 1 MW projects in the Rukwa and Katawi regions. The projects are being developed in the frame of the Micro Power Economy, Tanzania Roll out program, which is financially backed by the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF).
